Parsons, Rockets keep postseason alive

Rockets forward Chandler Parsons goes up for a shot as Thunder forward Kevin Durant defends during the third quarter of Game 4 in a first-round NBA playoff series Monday in Houston. The Rockets beat the Thunder 105-103. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Associated Press

Published: Monday, April 29, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 2:35 a.m.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets finally found a way to close out a game in their playoff series with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

And it allowed them to escape playoff elimination with a 105-103 win over the Thunder on Monday night.

Chandler Parsons played a team-high 41 minutes and had 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as Houston avoided a four-game sweep in the best-of-seven series. Patrick Beverley added 16 points with point guard Jeremy Lin out with a bruised chest muscle.

The Rockets led in the fourth quarter of each of the last two games only to end up losing.

"We felt the pain and frustration from the last two losses ... and we didn't want that to happen for the third straight time," Parsons said.

It almost did.

Kevin Durant scored five quick points to cut the Rockets' lead to two. James Harden missed two shots for Houston after that and the Thunder had a last chance.

Reggie Jackson missed a jump shot and Serge Ibaka grabbed the rebound, but missed a layup at the buzzer.

A stunned Ibaka fell to the court after the miss and covered his face with his hands.